HEALTH bosses are being asked to pick up the bill if residents are forced to pay to park outside their homes close to Glasgow's new hospital.

A controlled parking zone (CPZ) is being considered for the streets close to the new South Glasgow Hospitals because of an expected influx of cars.

It's estimated about 13,000 staff and visitors will travel to the hospital daily but with only 2500 parking spaces when it opens next year, many are expected to look for spaces in nearby streets.

The CPZ would mean residents pay an annual charge to park in their area while meters are installed to charge outsiders to discourage them from parking there.

Fiona McKenzie lives just outside the planned CPZ but knows people inside it.

She said: "We obviously need some sort of control. There needs to be restrictions but asking people who live here to pay is unfair."

Peter McCarthy is chairman of the local residents association. He said: "It would be good if the residents could get their charge paid."

Three Labour councillors in Govan, James Adams, John Kane and Fariha Thomas are calling on NHS Scotland to pay the residents' charges.

Mr Adams said: "We are concerned about the £50 ann-ual charge facing residents to secure a permit to park in their own neighbourhood.

"We urge NHS Scotland to recognise the frustration and anger of the local community, demonstrate a willingness for partnership and contribute the £50 charge for residents' parking."

A spokeswoman for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: "The issue of parking permits for local residents in Govan is the responsibility of Glasgow City Council.

"When the hospital build is completed in 2015 there will be 2500 parking spaces available with a further 1000 opened by 2016.

"The planning for these spaces was agreed following extensive work with Glasgow City Council planning department."

stewart.paterson@eveningtimes.co.uk